Book Review: Dragonlance

I first became obsessed with the Dragonlance series when I was around fifteen. A friend of mine talked me into reading one of the books when I was in eighth grade. After this, I was hooked. Up to this date, I have read around one hundred and fifty Dragonlance novels.

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman were the original authors of the Dragonlance series. They still occasionally write a couple of books, but the first ones that they wrote were called the Chronicles Trilogy. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have written several more to date, but I feel that the Chronicles Trilogy is one of their best novels.

It all takes place on the world of Krynn. Krynn is a planet that the gods created long ago, and a great many races of people live on it. You have humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, orcs, dragons, fairies; etc. Often times these races will clash, and wars will ensue. Sometimes these wars can last for many years, and even the gods will become involved.

One example of a god that involves herself in the wars is the evil goddess Takhisis. Takhisis is always attempting to eliminate her counterpart, the benevolent god Paladine. Unfortunately for Takhisis, Paladine is always one step ahead of her. For example, in one such battle, Takhisis calls upon the many dragons she has at her disposal. Reds, blues, blacks, and white dragons all come to heed Takhisis calling.

In order to counter this dilemma, Paladine creates the dragonlance(thus, the name of the book). The dragonlance is specifically made to destroy evil dragons along with other evil creatures, and a man named Huma is one of the first to wield them. However, not only must Huma face the evil dragons with the power of the dragonlance, he must also defeat the dark goddess Takhisis. Huma does manage to defeat Takhisis with the dragonlance, but it costs him his life.

My favorite character of the Dragonlance series is Raistlin Majere. Raistlin is a tortured soul who was always picked on as a child. Raistlin's twin brother Caramon always tries to look after his frail brother, which annoys Raistlin to no end. Raistlin longs for the day when he can be completely free, and not have to depend on his sibling for anything.

Raistlin's health is not so great either, but his strong will and magic more than makes up for his shortcomings. Raistlin goes on to become one of the most powerful wizards ever known, and even becomes a threat to the gods. I'll let you read the rest for yourselves.

These books written by Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and many other authors are great for teens and adults. Some of the books may be too violent for children. Still, if you like fantasy as much as I do then you will love these novels.